Danum Valley Conservation Area

Prior to may 1995, Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) was an informal protected area in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve of primary, undisturbed, predominantly lowland rainforest with an outstanding complement of Borneo flora and fauna. It was part of the almost one million ha forest concession assigned to Yayasan Sabah. In 1976, WWF-malaysia suggested that the area be declared a national park. The Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA) is a 438 sq. km tract. However, Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustess resolved on November 28, 1980, to leave the area within Yayasan Sabah concession but shall leave it unlogged for the purpose of conservation. Thereafter it is known as "Danum Valley Conservation Area".

The area would be administered informally as Conservation Area in recognition of its outstanding biodiversity value. To help justify forgoing such a large financial opportunity, the Yayasan Sabah Board of Trustees resolved to make use of Danum Valley for purposes of research and education, which are in line with its charitable mission.

In 1982, the Interagency Danum Valley Management Committee was established, comprising Yayasan Sabah, the Sabah Forestry Department, the sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Evironment, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and several other agencies.

The Forest Management Plan for Yayasan Sabah Concession Area was drawn up and approved by the State Cabinet in 1984. Principle to this plan was the designation of two areas as protected conservation areas, one of which being the Danum Valley Conservation Area. In May 1995, the area was declared a Class I (protection) Forest Reserve by the Sabah Legislative Assembly, meaning that it cannot be logged except by decisions of a two thirds majority vote by the Sabah Legislative Assembly. In 1999, Danum Valley Conservation Area was further gazetted under The Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Enactment 1998, as a Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Area

source : www.danumvalley.info

Tawau Hills Park

The Tawau Hills Park is located about 24 kilometers from Tawau town and is a famous spot for families and friends to get together for a picnic or camping. With its large area of lush greenery and sparkling river, it is hard to resist not spending your time hereThe park is an essential water catchment area for major rivers of this part of Sabah. The rivers are the Tawau Merotai, Kinabatangan, Mantro and Balung rivers. The park covers an area of 27,972 hectares of land. It was established in 1979. The Tawau Hills Park is the home to myriads of plants and animals. The walk down any of the paths is a learning journey. Each and every plant has a wooden label which identifies every plant. The dominant vegetation is the lowland dipterocarp forest.

With increasing altitutes, thick damp mossy forest takes over the dipterocarp forest. Lowland orchids are also plentiful and the most spectacular of them is the Elephant's Ear orchid. It is a must to take a walk in the 2 hectare lowland gardens which is the home to a wide range of flora. The wildlife here is not to be missed as well. The wildlife is generally elusive but there have been sightings of long-tailed macaques, giant tree squirrels, civets, red-leaf monkeys and even troops of white monkeys.

Visitors can choose to stay at chalets or lodges which have basic amenities such as common bathroom and kitchens. If you want something more outdoorsy, you can always opt to camp in the park. There is a camping ground not too far from the river. The river here is clean enough to take a swim too. If Sabah is the place you want to really explore, consider extending your stay here. There are plenty of accommodations in Sabah which will make it easy for you to find a place to put up during the stay.The only way to the park from Tawau town is by taxi. Other means of public transport is not readily available in this area but you can book your return transport from the Sabah Park counter at a fee of about RM30 to RM45.

source : sabah.attractionsinmalaysia.com